Richmond News

Richmond Chamber of Commerce disappointed to see George Massey Tunnel Project back at the drawing board

December 18, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RICHMOND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DISAPPOINTED TO SEE GEORGE MASSEY PROJECT BACK AT THE DRAWING BOARDRichmond, BC- Following the release of the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure’s independent review of the George Massey Crossing yesterday, Richmond’s largest business association is expressing disappointment as the project goes back to square one.

“We have been strong supporters of moving this development forward since 2016, based on very clear feedback we received from our members,” said Chamber Chair Barbara Tinson. “There are people losing hours of their lives waiting in traffic on Hwy 99 every day. That’s time away from their kids, from their families. Richmond is a net importer of jobs and a lot of these workers are coming from the more affordable housing south of the Fraser. Employers in Richmond are losing good people, because the commute just isn’t worth it anymore.”

Tinson continued, “We had hoped that Minister Trevena would have decided on a solution, based on this review, which emphasized the urgency of improving this crossing. Instead, we are offered more study and more delays. And we fear that whatever is finally built will be at or near capacity when it opens. ”

Two of the options highlighted in the Province’s press release (a smaller 6 or 8 lane bridge) are noted in the report as likely returning peak hour’s congestion to levels similar to today by 2045.

The Province has stated that it will reopen community consultation in 2019, an undertaking the previous project team conducted from 2012-2013.

Clint Mahlman, President & Chief Operating Officer of London Drugs shared his own sentiments. “We are very disappointed the Provincial government has delayed decisions on resolving the movement of goods and people around the George Massey crossing. With this announcement, we have no choice but to consider all options for locating our head office and distribution centre. As one of Richmond and BC’s largest employers and businesses, this is frustrating and disappointing to be put in this position once again after years of providing feedback and ideas to the City of Richmond and to the Provincial Governments in the past.”

The Richmond Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continuing to advocate on behalf of the local business community, and encourages employers to join them in participating in the upcoming community consultation process.

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The Richmond Chamber of Commerce is a broad-based non-profit membership association, celebrating over 90 years of commitment to make Richmond the most prosperous and favorable place to do business.